Geographic analysis of direct investment transactions is complicated by holding companies; that is, when the ultimate parent enterprise’s investment in a foreign country is held through another subsidiary in a third country. Because the principle of classification used in balance of payments regional statistics is based on the change of ownership, direct investment flows should be compiled only in respect of the immediate host/investing country. The same rule applies for the international investment position statement; liabilities should be classified by the country of residence of the owner of the claim, and assets should be classified by the country of the liability holder. However, it is suggested that the stock of net assets of direct investment could also be compiled in respect of the ultimate host or controlling country, as supplementary information.